Here is my recent purchase for my type set. This coin has absolutely blazing luster, and the sunset toning is beautiful. What would you grade?
I don't collect them, but for some reason I recently read an article on grading them. I'll say AU-55.
Here is another picture. There are no breaks on luster on the coin. This pic might capture the luster a bit better. Ok, so I'm obsessed with luster. I'll shut up now HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Anyways, I believe the coin to be BU, but I could totally be wrong. I agree that it looks AU from my initial pic. It's ungraded. Either way, I don't really care. I am creating a toned type set. I'm working on the Dansco 7070, and trying to get as many beautifully toned additions as possible, though the toning comes in various quantities and patterns. This was a purchase I made on ebay. I've acquired several other high grade mercs before, but this one blows them all away hands down in the eye appeal department, at least imo. I paid $30 for it on ebay. Expensive for a merc, but worth it.
If you are correct and the coin has unbroken luster, I don't see the coin grading less than 65 at NGC/PCGS, and maybe even higher. If there is some light rub (as is suggested to me in the photos, candidly) then perhaps a 63 or 58. The coin is obviously not fully struck on the reverse so no FB, but the obverse is well struck (and to me more important than the reverse strike ). Pretty coin too. All in all, I like it. Thanks for sharing...Mike
Based off the first set of pictures this is where I see the breaks in luster. The reverse to me looks like it is wear, but I suppose it could be weak strike. I have not had a chance to study the second set of pictures yet - but on the reverse I think I still see the slight break in luster. If there is no break in the luster then it could very well be a weak strike. But all I have to go on are the pictures and I am not an expert on mercury dimes. Look hard to see my little red circles.
From the second sets of pics I'd say it Would go MS . The places I thought might be wear were on the reverse on the Faces and Liberties hair , which your 2nd set of pics don't show . rzage
I see what you are saying Mark. It's tough to tell. I'm fairly certain there is no wear on the obverse, but it's harder to grade those areas on the reverse imo. I'm far from an expert myself, so I may have it expertly examined sometime. It's very happy in it's new home for now. :hail: Thanks for the comments!!
I don't really see any wear on this coin from the photos supplied. The obverse has a great full strike and the reverse is only lacking a full band on the middle of the fasces. Otherwise, IMO, this is a beautiful MS coin with nice natural toning. Bruce